AboutPat Hahn Expertise I can answer questions related to motorcycle safety: knowledge, skills, technical, or theoretical. I am especially familiar with the concepts of risk management, hazard awareness, crash avoidance, and traction management as they pertain to motorcycle riders. Please do not ask me to troubleshoot your mechanical/electrical problems ("Why won't my bike start?").
Experience I'm an MSF-Certified Instructor (12 years), author of the motorcycle safety books How to Ride a Motorcycle and Ride Hard, Ride Smart, co-author of Motorcycle Track Day Handbook, and Public Information Officer for the State of Minnesota: I coordinate public information and education for the Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center, a project of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.
Organizations Motorcycle Safety Foundation, Minnesota Motorcycle Safety Center Check out my website at www.motorcyclesafety.state.mn.us Of particular interest is "Safety Tips"
Question My 17 years-old daughter just completed the basic motorcycle training course. She has only ridden in the dirt so far. My wife wants to buy her a Ninja 250. I am wondering if there is another good starter bike you recommend. I was thinking more along the lines of a dual sport.
Thanks, Richard
Answer A dual sport in the range of 250-450 is a fine starter bike, but they tend to be rather tall. The Ninja 250 is a terrific starter bike. In my opinion, any 2-cyl bike 650cc or less, or 4-cyl bike 500cc or less, is an appropriate bike to start on. Most important is how the bike fits her. She'll need to be able to manage it physically, walking on it, pushing it around, etc.
